ESA Graduate Trainee in Concurrent Design of Space Missions and MBSE

Our team and mission

You will be working in the Future Engineering Division, responsible for developing and providing engineering expertise, tools, methods and standards for the development of future projects, in support of the Agency’s programme directorates.

Main activities of the team

• Performing Phase 0/A studies in the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) to assess the technical and programmatic feasibility (in terms of cost, risks, schedule, etc.) of future ESA missions;
• Providing expert systems engineering support to ESA programmes and projects in various phases of development;
• Conducting R&D activities and technology developments related to systems and concurrent engineering methodologies and tools – including a particular focus on MBSE – and collaborating with teams working on AR/XR, AI, end-of-life management (such as the zero debris approach, de-orbiting technologies, design for demise, etc.), in-orbit servicing and eco-design (such as life cycle assessments) and other cutting-edge technology;
• Providing technical support to small spacecraft projects for technology demonstration and/or education and conducting Concurrent Engineering Challenge activities and training initiatives at the ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility at the ESEC-Galaxia centre;
• Designing and developing models, databases, tools and architectures to support and enhance systems and cost engineering practices, methodologies and applications across the various disciplines, project phases and organisations.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will be actively involved in:

• Multidisciplinary engineering activities, including feasibility assessment and conceptual design of future space missions;
• Systems engineering support for space mission studies in the Concurrent Design Facility;
• The development of engineering tools, models and databases for use within the CDF infrastructure and in support of the concurrent engineering approach, including infusion of novel technology (e.g. AI, AR/XR, MBSE, etc.);
• Technology development and R&D, exploring novel methods and processes aiming to improve systems and concurrent engineering practices;
• Other systems and project activities, depending on requests and on your specific technical background and motivation.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
• Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
• General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
• Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in aerospace systems engineering or a related field, such as electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering or mechanical engineering.

Additional requirements

You should preferably have an aerospace engineering background and/or specialisation in systems engineering, mission analysis and/or other system-related disciplines.
Experience in the use of engineering tools (e.g. MatLab, Catia, STK, etc.) and office automation software (e.g. Microsoft Office), as well as in visual systems modelling and design tools (e.g. Python, Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect, Cameo Systems Modeler, Capella, GENESYS, COMET, etc.) would be an asset.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset.

Important information and disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Nationality and languages

Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.